Reed, Luther O. 1877 – 1938

REED, KELLAM, UNDEGRAFF, SHEAR

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/25/2015 at 12:58:07

LUTHER O. REED.

Luther O. Reed, the proprietor of an up-to-date livery stable at No. 110 Washington street in Decorah, is one of the enterprising and prosperous young business men of the city and is likewise well known in fraternal circles. His birth occurred in Burr Oak, Winneshiek county, on the 29th of September, 1877, his parents being Luther and Celia L. (Kellam) Reed, the former a native of Allamakee county, Iowa, and the latter of Winneshiek county, this state. Luther Reed, Sr., came to this county with his parents when a lad of eleven years and as soon as his age permitted began farming on a farm of three hundred acres near Burr Oak, which he improved and operated until 1901. During the past twelve years he has lived in honorable retirement at Decorah. In 1906 he was elected constable and has since served in that capacity, discharging the duties devolving upon him in a highly commendable and conscientious manner. His wife was called to her final rest in the year 1901.

Luther O. Reed was reared and educated in this county, attending the district schools and also the public schools of Decorah. Subsequently he entered the State University at Iowa City and in that institution pursued the scientific and law course. Returning home, he worked on his father's farm for two years and subsequently spent a year writing insurance policies. He then embarked in the implement business in association with F. N. May, the enterprise being conducted under the firm style of Reed & May for four years, at the end of which period the establishment was destroyed by fire. It was at that time that Mr. Reed purchased of Robert Simpson the livery stable and stock at No. 110 Washington street and, taking charge of the business, has since conducted the same with gratifying success. The stable is a two-story brick structure and contains some of the finest vehicles in Decorah, its proprietor being accorded an extensive and well merited patronage.

On the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Reed was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Updegraff, a daughter of William and Lydia (Shear) Updegraff, the former a native of Mount Pleasant. Ohio, and the latter of Columbia county, New York. William Updegraff came to Winneshiek county in an early day and accumulated considerable property, owning six farms near Decorah. His demise occurred in 1900 but his widow still resides here. Our subject and his wife have one daughter, Edith, who is now seven years of age. The family home is on West Broadway.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Reed has supported the men and measures of the republican party. He is a valued member of the city fire department. Fraternally he is identified with the Yeomen, the Homesteaders, the Elks and the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine. On July 7, 1912, at Portland, Oregon, he was appointed district deputy grand exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and has since been made an honorary life member. He has always made his home in Winneshiek county and is widely and favorably known within its borders, the circle of his friends being almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913

Phelps Cemetery gravestone
 

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